Tuesday, November 29, 2005

New Banner and Sweet Things!

How do you like my new banner? It's a photo of some of my favorite ornaments from my Christmas tree! I put up the tree yesterday and had so much fun. I always enjoy pulling out the ornaments and seeing new ones we've acquired during the year. The sequined Santa suit and the Disney disco ball Mickey head are two new ones. Aren't they fun? I love bling on a Christmas tree! :) My Mom gave me the Starbucks cup a couple of years ago. So cute!

I can't *do* December without being ultra-organized. Besides the normal, everyday activities, there are Christmas parties and outings, shopping trips, hours of wrapping packages, holiday baking.....and I want to do it ALL! So I've figured out a good system this year. I made my own little 12x12 scrapbooked December calendar page where I've written in all of the scheduled events in red. Then on little green punched, movable squares, I've written dinner menu ideas (I like to keep dinners in December fairly easy) that I can move around and assign to different days in December. Finally, at the top of the calendar I have a list of things I want to bake this month. On days that I decide to bake, I can just choose something from the list and cross it off. Everything I'm going to bake is something that can be frozen. That way I can pull out a few of each thing when we have people over or when we're in the mood for a certain treat. Some people may be thinking, "wow, that is WEIRD that you do this." Well, that's ok. :) But I always look back in January and think "I wish I had done THIS or THAT" and it's always because I ran out of time or didn't fit it in because I was hurrying to finish wrapping presents, shop, or bake. So this year I'm determined to be organized with the musts so I can relax all month and enjoy the blessed Christmas season without worrying if I got something done. :)

I thought I'd share my baking list for December! They are all Martha Stewart recipes (of course!) and all of them are new to our family. I can't wait to try them. I am planning on some lighter, easier dinners for December so we can enjoy all of the sweet extras without too much guilt. :) So..... ::: drumroll ::: here is my master list!

Truffle Brownies

Chocolate Espresso Snowcaps

Snickerdoodles

Thumbprint Cookies (I'm using assorted jams)

Pecan Caramel Shortbread

Shaker Lemon Bars

Chocolate Peppermint Bark (I'm using a dark chocolate instead of the white)


Did you gain 10 pounds reading that list? :)

I'm off to watch Martha and finish decorating the house. Have a blessed day!
-Jennifer

"What seems too difficult for us is a sure sign that it belongs to God." - Marie DePree

18 comments:

corinne5 said...

oh getting hungry already! great banner too!

corinne5xxx

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, you are I are two peas in a pod! I've said it before and I'll say it again! We need to live next door to eachother! Do you know how much fun we could have together! Love the calendar idea! Love the recipes! Love the new banner!

Sophia

Anonymous said...

Girl...you sound super organized...amazing.....

And the recipes...sound AMAZING.....

Anonymous said...

Oh I love your new banner, And the Starbucks ornament!!

Mmm, Martha cookie recipes. Just bought her cookie book. And YES, I did gain 10 pounds, thanks a lot! LOL

Anonymous said...

Your new banner is awesome! Oh my gosh, I think I gained 20 lbs just reading that list! LOL

Kim said...

Snickerdoodles are my absolute favorite!! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! I'm impressed with your organizational ideas. Makes me want to get it together--I've been putting if off and know I will end up miserable...thanks for the inspiration.
Debi D

Kip said...

This was not a good day for me to read your blog as I started dieting again but it all sounds wonderful!

Kip

Jennifer S. said...

Have to get one of those Starbucks ornaments for my Brother in Law!!! Banner looks great...

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,
I LOVE your banner photo! I share your admiration for Martha, but I am not a very good cook. Slice and back cookies and casseroles are more my style. I prefer her decorating ideas. I made the leaf napkin rings and turkey trivia place cards. I hope she will have some clever Christmas decor ideas this month!
Holle

plualum said...

I just love the banner! Someday, I need to figure out how to do that, too. That is some kind of calendar organization you have going on. Good luck on all of that!

Melissa said...

love your new banner-that starbucks ordament is just too cute! I have a few martha stewart cookie additions to my baking list this season too ;) they all sound yummy

Bridget said...

Jennifer, I love that Starbucks ornament! I need to find one like that. I meet a friend from school once a week at Starbucks. We're unemployed, so it's not like we have anything else to do. LOL She even brought me a peppermint mocha Frappuccino when she picked me up recently for a party!

Carrie Anne said...

Oh my banner! That is such an AMAZING banner.

I am, however, demanding that you come over to my house organize my chaotic life and then give me those three ornaments.

You are quite the remarkable woman!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Can I hire you to do my Christmas baking? LOL!

Anonymous said...

Uh, where's the calendar page? You know me, I'm nosey and want to see it.

Your banner is stunning. I love it. Such a nice thing to see when I open up your blog. You always have the best banners....

Francine said...

That's a wonderful tree! We haven't done ours yet, I am no way that organized :)

I love the banner, I need to learn how to change mine.

Anonymous said...

Ohhh...and I came to your blog looking for recipes...YIPEEE!

Thud...taht was the sound of my booty after reading the list...and writing down all the ingredients for them! LOL!

Can't WaIT!